Seventeen years ago we lost one of the most lyrically proficient MC’s in The Notorious B.I.G. While it seems there isn’t anymore unheard music for us to consume, we thankfully have gotten a better idea about the late, great Frank White through the words of people who really knew him.

For the most part, Smalls was painted as an easy going guy who loved to make jokes and be around his crew. But let his closest friends, family and contemporaries tell it and we find out how truly charismatic he was. Even struggle rappers and singers who were the target of his lyrics still throw down some ice for the nicest MC.

So in his honor we present the 10 greatest stories ever told about The Notorious B.I.G. The visit to the king of pop is our favorite; let us know which is yours in the comments section.